Flow Preference

Many experts recommend waiting until breastfeeding is well established before introducing bottles, and there’s a good reason for this. This approach helps ensure that your milk supply is adequate and reduces the likelihood that your baby will develop a preference for bottle feeding. While most babies transition well between breast and bottle, others may find it more challenging. By understanding how flow preference can affect your baby, you’ll be better equipped to support their feeding journey and achieve your breastfeeding goals.1

Nipple Confusion vs. Flow Preference

Nipple confusion is a term that you may recognize. For years parents, pediatricians, and even lactation consultants believed that some babies developed a preference for bottles primarily due to the shape of the bottle nipple. Since most bottle nipples are firmer, longer, and more pronounced than most mother’s nipples, it was thought that this difference led to fussiness at the breast, difficulty latching, and sometimes even breast refusal.2 

However, we now understand that the way milk flows from the breast is quite different from a bottle. Bottles provide an instant and continuous flow, making it easy for babies to drink quickly. In contrast, milk from the breast ebbs and flows. Babies need to suckle to stimulate the milk to “let down,” which can happen multiple times during a feeding as long as they are actively nursing. As the breast empties, or if the milk supply is low, or if the baby becomes too sleepy or frustrated to stimulate the let-down, the flow naturally slows down. As a result, when a baby gets accustomed to the fast and steady flow from a bottle, they may develop a preference for that quicker delivery and become frustrated when breastfeeding.2

How to Avoid Flow Preference1

  • Skin-to-Skin Contact: This promotes bonding and helps stimulate breastfeeding reflexes in newborns.
  • Responsive Feeding: Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues and feed on demand.
  • Wait Until Breastfeeding is Well-Established: Wait at least 4-6 weeks to introduce bottles. This will give your baby time to become a breastfeeding pro. 
  • Limit Bottle Use: Try to limit bottle use, especially in the early months. 
  • Bottle Flow: Use a slow-flow nipple which will help prevent your baby from developing a preference for a faster flow.
  • Nipple Shape: Use a nipple with a gradual slope enabling your baby to latch deeply, reinforcing good breastfeeding behavior.  
  • Paced Bottle Feeding: This mimics the slower flow and suck-swallow rhythm of breastfeeding. Hold your baby upright, the bottle horizontally, allow breaks, and let the baby set the pace.
  • Seek Support: A Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable support if you are having difficulty breastfeeding. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need help.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

  • Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
  • Lactation Q&A
  • Navigating your Maternity Leave

To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

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